TACLOBAN City – An assistant election officer was shot dead Tuesday by motorcycle-riding gunmen in MacArthur, Leyte.
Authorities identified the victim as Maureen Palejaro, 42, employed at the Commission on Elections (Comelec) Office in MacArthur town and a resident of Dulag, Leyte.
Capt. Jennifer Medalla, MacArthur Police chief, said the victim was onboard a motorcycle driven by her officemate, Roldan Evangelista, on her way to her boarding house around noon when the gunmen, both clad in helmets, blocked their way.
Without saying any word, one of the gunmen pulled a handgun from his bag and shot Japson.
When Japson fell on the ground, the gunman riddled her with bullets before fleeing toward Abuyog, Leyte.
Reports further revealed that the victim’s driver ran away from the crime scene out of fear and hid behind a house. He showed up later upon noticing the presence of policemen who responded to the crime scene.
Palejaro was pronounced dead on the spot by the rural health officer.
Police conducted a follow-up investigation on the incident. (Marie Tonette Marticio)
